The all-new production version Ford Performance Vehicles GT will wow Queensland car fans when it takes centre stage at the Brisbane International Motor Show from Friday February 7 2003.

The GT will share the Ford stand with the new GT-P and Pursuit ute in the first motor show display of the final specification Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) range.

The production cars on display have subtle styling differences from the FPV concept cars unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show last year.

In response to feedback from GT enthusiasts, Ford designers have incorporated a number of styling cues that closely tie the new FPV range to the original GT.

Ford Performance Vehicles Managing Director, David Flint, said the new GT would feature a modern interpretation of the classic GT stripes.

“The GT stripe has just been revised on the GT in the States so it was a logical step for us here.

“We’ll be offering some wild colour and stripe combinations, as we did on the original GT. For example, as an option, you can now order a GT in Winter White with Vivid Blue stripes or Phantom with orange stripes. As with early GT models, owners can order their GT without the stripes, in which case we add a separate GT badge to the rear doors.

“Since Sydney, we’ve also tweaked the front-end treatment, the rear spoiler and the bonnet power bulge to make the GT look more aggressive,” he said.

Mr Flint said the Brisbane Motor Show would provide the ideal opportunity for the public to touch and feel the new cars.

“This will be the first motor show where people will be able to get behind the wheel and have a taste of the interior package, which is really spectacular,” Mr Flint said.

Among the innovations inside the cabin is a starter button on the dash, in the place of a conventional ignition system. Turn the key in the ignition and the button lights up with a red glow, inviting you to unleash the 290kW Boss engine.

FPV vehicles go on sale at authorised Ford Performance Vehicles dealerships in Queensland and around Australia during March. Recommended retail pricing for the sedans start at $59,850 for the manual GT, while the Pursuit manual is $54,850 (RRP).

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